Cyclooxygenase-2: a novel molecular target for the prevention and treatment of head and neck cancer. Review uri icon

Overview

abstract

  • Cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), an enzyme that catalyzes the synthesis of prostaglandins, is overexpressed in a variety of premalignant and malignant conditions, including oral leukoplakia and squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck. Increased levels of COX-2 may contribute to carcinogenesis by modulating xenobiotic metabolism, apoptosis, immune surveillance, and angiogenesis. In experimental models, newly developed selective COX-2 inhibitors suppress the formation of tumors, including tongue cancer. These findings provided a rationale for a number of chemoprevention trials that are underway. Selective COX-2 inhibitors also suppress the growth and metastases of established tumors and enhance the anticancer activity of both radiotherapy and chemotherapy in experimental animals. In this review, evidence is presented that inhibition of COX-2 represents a promising strategy to prevent or possibly treat human head and neck cancers.

publication date

  • August 1, 2002

Research

keywords

  • Carcinoma, Squamous Cell
  • Cyclooxygenase Inhibitors
  • Head and Neck Neoplasms
  • Prostaglandin-Endoperoxide Synthases

Identity

Scopus Document Identifier

  • 0036023220

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

  • 10.1002/hed.10108

PubMed ID

  • 12203806

Additional Document Info

volume

  • 24

issue

  • 8